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A matter in which former Lusaka Province Minister, Bowman Lusambo, is facing three counts of allegedly attempting to interfere with a witness has failed to take off at the Lusaka magistrate court.
In this matter, Lusambo was supposed to commence his defense as the court found him with a case to answer.
But before the matter could commence, one of his Lawyers James Tembo informed that Lusambo’s surety informed him that he was unwell and could not stand trial.
Chama South Member of Parliament, Davison Mung’andu, 43, was on stand and informed the court that he was told yesterday that Lusambo was seeking medication at WHB medical Centre in Olympic Manda Hill Road, Lusaka.
“Knowing that his supposed to appear today, I rushed there to verify. Indeed, Mr Lusambo appeared to be in an extremely distressed situation, he has severe flu and other medical complications. The doctor has put him on bed rest and treatment from 29 to 31 of this month and supposed to appear on June 1 for review. I requested for a medical report which I have in my possession,” he said.
Tembo then applied for the matter to be adjourned to enable the accused recover.
“In our view, the reasons for this application are sufficient and we pray that the application be granted in the interest of Justice,” he submitted.
Read more: Court sets March date to rule on Lusambo’s alleged interference with judicial process
State Prosecutor Daniel Ngwira said he had no objection to the application of adjourning the matter.
“We have no objection except to put it on record that our colleagues would have informed us at the earliest convenience. We wish to put it on record that much as we accept the allegation that the accused is unwell. The accused was seen on social space, on Saturday watching a football match at Woodlands stadium between Forest Rangers and Muza FC. The accused was clad in a jersey for Forest Rangers. We pray that we be give the nearest date for commencement of defence in this matter,” he submitted.
However, the court in response asked Ngwira if he was alleging that the accused was well.
“Are you alleging he is well and I order that he be examined?” Magistrate Trevor Kasanda asked.
“For today, we give him a benefit of doubt,” Ngwira responded.
Tembo also submitted that there was nothing amiss about someone watching a football game on a Saturday and subsequently failing ill on a Sunday.
” My colleague has made wild allegations and the record must be straight,” Tembo said.
The court adjourned the matter to July 11 for commencement of defense.
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